rebecca payne

Each match, D.C. United has important partners and fans perform the ceremonial first kick. On Armed Forces Night the first kick was taken by Jason Pak, a D.C. United fan and longtime soccer player who was injured while serving in Afghanistan. In April, Chris Pontius and James Riley visited Pak at Walter Reed Medical Center where the three formed an instant connection. D.C. United was very excited to have Pak at Armed Forces Night and thanks him and all of the former and current members of the armed forces.

Congratulations to veteran midfielder, John Thorrington and his wife who welcomed a healthy baby boy to their family. Jensen Gerard Thorrington was born on Tuesday, May 7 weighing in at 8lbs 11oz. Thorrington, who is currently sidelined with a ligament strain, said Jensen will be making his soccer debut in 2030.

Welcome to the D.C. United family, Jensen. Congratulations and well wishes to the Thorringtons!

With an hour until kickoff and dark clouds looming over RFK Stadium, D.C. United is preparing for the game as usual. Soccer, after all, is one of the few outdoor sports that is rarely effected by weather delays. Major League Soccer rules state that the referee is responsible for making all weather-related calls based on his assessment of the playability of the field and safety of the teams.

A quick history lesson

Inclement weather, a Wednesday night, Houston? Sound familiar? Back on June 4, 2008 D.C. United hosted the Houston Dynamo on a rainy Wednesday evening at RFK, severe weather left the field unplayable and the match was rescheduled for Tuesday, July 22. In an interesting turn of events the match on July 22 was also postponed, this time due to widespread power outages in DC. On July 23 the match was finally played, however not before a three hour delay.

D.C. United vs Houston Dynamo has seen its share of midweek weather drama, but we're all ready for tonight. Game on.

One of the most decorated and longest tenured managers in world soccer history announced his retirement today. Sir Alex Ferguson, who has spent the past 26 years at English Premier side Manchester United, will retire as team manager at the end of the season. During his 26 years at the club, he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, and the UEFA Champions League twice.

18 members of the Black-and-Red were born during or after the year that Ferguson took the helm at Manchester United. Brandon McDonald and Andrew Dykstra were both born in 1986, and United homegrown forward Michael Seaton was born a full ten years after Ferguson's reign began.

Ahead of a rare weekday matchup, D.C. United's lingering injuries are starting to clear up, but that hasn't kept Casey Townsend from impressing. Nick DeLeon, who suffered a hamstring strain against the Columbus Crew on March 23 has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday's game against the Dynamo. After being set back a few weeks with a groin strain, Chris Pontius has also been upgraded to questionable.

With a handful of injuries so far this season, D.C. United has been drawing deep into the roster and recently brought Townsend back from Richmond where he was on loan with the Kickers. Through three matches at the Kickers, Townsend tallied two goals and is tied in the leaderboard for goals scored. After training today Ben Olsen confirmed that Townsend would be in the 18 on Wednesday.

With the team in Columbus this weekend, Talon had an off week from his gameday duties. He took the rare opportunity to surprise a few kids at a party that one of the D.C. United Season Ticket Holders was hosting. The Black-and-Red mascot was a hit among the youthful crowd.

Find out more about Talon and how you can invite him to your party by emailing your customer service representative!